Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center

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Address
2351 Veteran’s Road West
Staten Island, NY 10309
Latitude 40.53758
Longitude -74.225349

Group Programs

The Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center offers interactive exhibits and environmental education programs. Come learn about the Preserve's natural environment and rich history of the Lenape, the Free Blacks of Sandy Ground, the clay-miners, and organic farmer Herbert Gericke. Historical artifacts as well as wildlife specimens native to Staten Island's south shore are on display. Visitors can get up close and personal with live animals, enjoy the touch discovery station, look through a children's stereoscope or play in the kid's activity area. Be sure to venture outside and explore the miles of trails that wander among meadows, forests, wetlands, streams and to Sharrotts Pond.

The Interpretive Center offers environmental education programs year round for schools at all grade levels as well as interpretive programs, hikes, and themed walks for youth organizations and the general public. Contact the Center for more information on public, school, scout or camp programs.

Hours of Operation

  • The Park Office, located at 83 Nielsen Ave, Staten Island, NY is open 9 AM - 5 PM daily. Phone: (718) 967-1976 The Preserve gounds are open dawn to dusk.
  • The Interpretive Center is open Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm and Sundays 12:00 pm - 4:30 pm with exhibits, classroom space, games and access to Preserve trails.

Fees & Rates

  • Program Fees
  • All programs are FREE of charge. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Sun 01 Jun
CPP Hiking Club
Sunday, June 1, 2025 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Get outside and enjoy the beauty of our park during this monthly hiking club! We will hike up to 2 miles. All ages. Trails are not stroller friendly. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Sun 01 Jun
CPP Hiking Club
Sunday, June 1, 2025 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Get outside and enjoy the beauty of our park during this monthly hiking club! We will hike up to 2 miles. All ages. Trails are not stroller friendly. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Tue 03 Jun
Tot Time
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Explore a different nature theme each week during this free play group. Story time begins at 10:30am, followed by a short hike at 11am, weather permitting. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Thu 05 Jun
Pride Outside: Picnic & Guided Hike
Thursday, June 5, 2025 05:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Pack your own picnic and join us for lawn games and socializing followed by an optional 2.5 mile "Rainbow Loop" hike beginning at 6:30pm in celebration of Pride Month! Cold picnics only, grills are not permitted in the park. All ages. Trails are not stroller friendly. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Sat 07 Jun
Clay Pit Care: Gericke Farm Planting
Saturday, June 7, 2025 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Volunteer at Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve to help us keep our park clean and healthy! During Clay Pit Care: Gericke Farm Planting, we will be planting fruits and veggies in our farm field. All tools provided. All ages, but best suited for ages 8+. Click here to register!
Registration: Required